The Tree That Bares Cross-Shaped Thorns

One of the most interesting years of my life was in 2011 when I lived in Santiago de Querétaro, which is located in central Mexico. Querétaro is a Unesco World Heritage Site that is truly fascinating; the city is so well preserved that it feels like you have traveled back in time. Filled with historic, religious, and ecological sites, it is a place mostly frequented by Mexican tourists.

For me, the best thing about living there — other than the food — was being able to visit all of the historic sites. My favorite would have to be the Church and Convent of Santa Cruz and its tree of cross-shaped thorns.

According to legend, Friar Antonio Margil de Jesús (1657-1726), who was known for walking great distances barefoot to reach his missions, had placed his walking stick in the garden next to the Church of Santa Cruz. After a few days, the stick began to grow. Instead of growing flowers or fruit, however, it sprouted thorns, many of which have three additional thorns simulating the crucifixion.

To this very day, you can still see this tree and others that have grown from it. Some people have tried to transplant the tree in different parts of the country, however they never survive. It will only grow in this one place.

In Mexico it is considered a miracle, and I have always been curious what people in the United States would think of it. We are a skeptical bunch.

If you are tired of going to Mexican beach resorts, you should definitely visit Querétaro, and tell me what you think!

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